I'm supposed to report here." "Yes, we've been expecting you." She tapped something on her screen. I'm Jennifer. You'll coordinate primarily through me.
Ms. Hart's executive assistant will brief you on protocols shortly. She's just finishing the morning briefing. Marcus perched on the edge of a chair that probably cost more than his monthly rent. Around him, the executive floor continued its choreographed dance. People moved with purpose.
Conversations happening in low tones that suggested everything discussed was confidential and crucial. And somewhere beyond it all, behind doors, he couldn't see Elena Hart was beginning her day. Mr. Cole. Marcus stood quickly, nearly knocking over his equipment bag. The woman who'd spoken was in her mid-40s, impeccably dressed in charcoal gray with eyes that assessed him in a single glance.
I'm Amanda Chen, Ms. Hart's executive assistant. Follow me. She moved like someone who'd learned to navigate these hallways in her sleep. Marcus followed acutely aware of how his work boots sounded against marble compared to her nearly silent heels. They passed through the main executive area into a corridor he recognized from his emergency call the path to Elena's private wing.
His pulse quickened despite himself. Amanda stopped at a small office he hadn't noticed during his first visit. Tucked discreetly near the security panel. This is your workspace. She said you'll maintain all technical systems on this floor with priority given to Ms. Hart's immediate area.
Response time for her requests is 10 minutes maximum. All other issues within the hour. She handed him a tablet. This links to building management. You'll receive work orders here along with Ms. Hart's schedule so you can plan maintenance around her commitments.
Amanda's eyes held his. That schedule is confidential. You don't discuss it with anyone. Not other staff, not your friends, not your family. Understood.
Understood. Ms. Hart values three things above all else. Amanda's voice was matter of fact, delivering information he needed to survive. "Discretion, efficiency, invisibility. Your work should be seamless."
She shouldn't have to think about whether the systems function. If she notices you at all, it should be because you've solved a problem before it became her problem. The irony of being told to remain invisible by the woman whose boss had personally promoted him wasn't lost on Marcus. He kept his expression neutral. Questions?
A thousand. None he could actually voice. No, ma'am. Good. Staff briefing every morning at 6:45 in the main conference room.
Start your systems check at 7:30. Ms. Hart arrives between 8:00 and 8:30, and everything should be perfect before she walks through that door. Amanda paused. Something in her expression shifted almost imperceptibly. Ms. Hart doesn't make recommendations lightly, Mr. Cole.